I don't think money can be that much of an issue, betta are the most affordable fish...
If it comes up, advise them to look for tanks on craigslist, or even at stores that sell things used..
Really, the only things a person needs to buy new is a heater, thermometer and food..
I think if someone loves their fish and already has it they should pull through with it... If they don't have a fish they should be encouraged to save up money for it...

Is it fair to the fish... Yes, I think. There's so many out there who have owners who don't try, having an owner who at least cares and is trying to do good is a blessing for a fish.Posted via Mobile Device

I struggled with this issue myself. Even keeping a 2.5gal has run me over $100 and that's pretty daunting. I knew it would be easier to just keep one in a jar, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it knowing my fish would be miserable.
So I would have to say, yes. If you know you can't afford it or aren't willing to spend the money, I would say don't do it. You'll just end up with dead fishies :/

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

"For when Thou art our strength, it is strength indeed, but when our strength is our own it is only weakness." - St. Augustine (Confessions 4.XVI)

Well, it wasn't just $100 on the tank itself, but all the things I needed for fish care. Like gravel siphon, water conditioner, test kit, gravel, decorations, heaters (I bought a bum hydro theo I had to replace), food, etc.
It all added up quickly, and for a college student ... it was a good bit of money.
I want to get a job so I can earn more and upgrade it!

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

"For when Thou art our strength, it is strength indeed, but when our strength is our own it is only weakness." - St. Augustine (Confessions 4.XVI)

Huh yea I can do a betta tank for $40, tank included.
I did spend $50 on my test kit but it branches out to all 5 of my fish tanks. Really with a small betta in a small tank you don't need a test kit to keep it healthy.

My opinion is no and i will elaborate with a paradigm that doesnt involve bettas. I have 2 canaries one male one female in dif cages.

Initial costs aside (about 50 euro for the both of them including cages the female been a purchase new branches, food and feeders) it costs 5 euro monthly to provide food,water fruit and clean the cage. Now you will say 5 euros is much? No it isnt. That is until something not in the plan occurs.

I had the male been attacked by a hawk severing 3 of its toes. I thought the guy would die on me. I got him to the doc for two visits and medication and folding his remaining fingers in casts in order to place them in the right position because they were mauled. All that would cost me around 100 euros but the doc been a good guy let me pay only half the expenses (i am unemployed and for once someone cared).
100 euros which ofc i would give but it would have cost me delaying bills taxes and so on.

A betta's initial costs are around 10-30 euro but if something goes awry you might need to waste triple that amount in equipment (medical tanks, better food, medicine, salts and the list goes on). So its not so dif from the example above.

In conclusion my opinion is this: It is affordable to have an animal and care for it in a daily basis but if you really care for it you need to be ready to spend more in case of emergency. If an owner for whatever reason cant afford that it is better not to have an animal. Especially if your income depends on others (i.e. teens for example) and the one responsible for your income has the altitude: its just a fish/bird whatever.
This becomes even worse for bettas since they cost next to nothing to purchase and most people see them as expendable.

I don't think money can be that much of an issue, betta are the most affordable fish...
If it comes up, advise them to look for tanks on craigslist, or even at stores that sell things used..
Really, the only things a person needs to buy new is a heater, thermometer and food..
I think if someone loves their fish and already has it they should pull through with it... If they don't have a fish they should be encouraged to save up money for it...

Is it fair to the fish... Yes, I think. There's so many out there who have owners who don't try, having an owner who at least cares and is trying to do good is a blessing for a fish.Posted via Mobile Device

Most people don't understand the commitment level needed to maintain betta's. It's a lot more than just throwing a fish in a bowl and feeding it. Yes the expense can add up but much like anything else you have to count the cost. Once I opened that door I knew there was no turning back. I love my betta's and do all that I can to maintain their good health and well being. Forums like this one are perfect for beginners too experts to learn, exchange ideas and solutions. If it helps one person become a better well informed owner of these tiny creatures then it is worth it.

With my first betta back in June I spent the most to get him set up, about $100 dollars with the $45 5g tank kit, good quality food, thermometer, etc. Each betta after was a lot less because I had most of the equipment needed. Now it's a matter of a tank, which the 2.5 here is around $12, a thermometer, substrate, and plants/hiding spots. Mine don't need heaters until around October. I now have 5 bettas all in different size and style tanks, and they are happy and healthy fish!

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